NEW: KHC's Legacy Newsletter, July 2011, is now available for download.

NEW: Do you have natural or cultural heritage related data or information that you would like to share with us? Click the On-line Data/Information Submission Form to submit your information.

December 22, 2011: Happy Holidays. All of us at KHC would like to Thank You for your support in making 2011 yet another successful year and wish you a wonderful holiday. Our office will remain closed from December 24 until January 2. We will see you in the New Year.

December 21, 2011: KHC Announces Securement of a Conservation Easement on Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin's Property. This incredible 250 acre property in the Bethany Hills has been the site of tall grass prairie and other restoration for over fifteen years by Ralph and Jean, friends, and volunteers. This significant property is largely within the Oak Ridges Moraine Protected Core Area and abuts other conservation holdings. KHC will monitor the property and work with the landowners toward continued rehabilitation of the natural values and long-term stewardship. Read More here   

December 21, 2011: KHC announces the securement of the Wells/Ingleton Property. This 80 acre property on the North Shore of Stoney Lake was donated in full by the Wells and Ingleton Families. This important natural property is known to be one of the most important sites for first nations in the area, second to Quakenbush and Petroglyphs Provincial Park.  The property is an important connection in a system of lands protected by KHC over the past few years with a number of others under consideration in the future. Neighbouring Viamede Resort lands and nearby busy Stoney Lake, the property will be managed for ongoing conservation by KHC into the future.  

December 15, 2011: Kemerin Fund, Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. KHC gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Kamerin Fund, a fund within the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough is a public foundation serving the City and County of Peterborough. The Community Foundation builds permanently endowed charitable funds for the changing needs and opportunities in the community and provides grants to charitable organizations whose projects contribute to the quality of life in the region. For more information, please visit www.cfgp.ca

December 14, 2011: Mapping Special Places on Stoney Lake. KHC has been collecting heritage related data for the past several years in the County of Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes. As part of our continued efforts to identify and map places of significance and importance, we are inviting the community to use our Geolive on-line mapping and discussion tool to help identify places that are of value and special to you in and around the Stoney Lake in the Kawarthas.

We would like you to identify places, features, or things you value in and around the Stoney Lake. It could include natural features such as wetlands, forests, trails, parks, interesting features on the lake, etc. It could include cultural features such as built heritage (homes, schools, barns, churches, cemeteries, ruins, engineering structures, monuments etc.) or landscapes. Your special place could also be your favourite fishing, diving, swimming, or hang out spot. Tell us what is important to you and why. Click here to go to the project webpage.

November 26, 2011: "Nature in the Kawarthas", a book by the Peterborough Field Naturalists, is hot off the press and available for purchase. If you need more information, please contact Martin Parker of the Peterborough Field Naturalists at 705-745-4750. Click on the title for a glimpse of the cover!

November 23, 2011: Reflecting on the Past: Check out Ian Attridge's refection on the founding years of KHC during our 10 year anniversay. Click here for his thoughts.

November 23, 2011: KHC 10 Year Anniversary Celebration: KHC celebrated its 10 Year Anniversary on November 23, 2011 at the Canadian Canoe Museum. We would like to thank all our partners, supporters, and friends for making the event a success and for your on-going support for our work. Check out the event webpage for a snapshot of the event and photos. Former and current members of the board pose for a photo (below left) and Mike Henren, possibly explaining what what we do to our guests! (right).

October 13, 2011: KHC supporting CKL's ICSP process: KHC has been involved with the City of Kawartha Lakes Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. Mike Hendren chaired the Natural Systems multi-stakeholder focus group and Suresh is currently chairing the Culture and Heritage focus group. The purpose of the focus groups is to develop initial vision, goals, sustainability indicators, targets, and actions for the respective themes.

October 6, 2011: KHC Site Stewardship Project: Throughout 2011, KHC is conducting inventories of the natural and cultural features found on and near various properties in our region. The properties include those we own, those on which we hold a conservation agreement, and two properties owned by our partner, Ducks Unlimited Canada. Volunteer, student and staff research will help us develop stewardship plans for our and DUC properties. These plans will help us protect the identified features, including species at risk, and guide us and DUC in our ongoing stewardship of these properties. The Province of Ontario, DUC and numerous volunteers are supporting us in this project.

October 3, 2011: Fleming Students Afloat on Emily Creek: On an overcast October 3, Fleming College Ecosystem Management students set out in canoes to document the natural features of Emily Creek, southwest of Bobcaygeon. We paddled over Crown land and past duck blinds, osprey nest platforms, and diverse open water and swamp habitats. The students are helping KHC develop management strategies and collect traditional ecological knowledge for our own large property on the Creek.

September 22- 23, 2011: KHC at CLTA Conference: KHC staff were at the Canadian Land Trust Alliance (CLTA) conference held in Kingston, Ontario from September 22 - 23. It was a great learning, sharing and networking opportunity.

September 22, 2011: KHC supporting Peterborough's ICSP process: Mike has been involved in sustainable peterborough planning process as a steering committee member. Suresh was there at the sustainability Charrette helping to create a vision, goals, and actions for various themes including climate change, energy, culture and heritage, and economy. As a community driven process it is necessary for the public to become involved and provide their vision for the community.

September 19, 2011: Kawarthas...Naturally Connected!: Find out what it is about and how you can be involved. Download the brochure.

September 12, 2011: KHC Works with Fleming College Students: KHC has teamed up with Fleming College Ecosystem Management students to help research and steward our new Emily Creek property. On September 12, KHC staff met with a student team to get them started on the project and continue our long partnership tradition with Fleming. The students were particularly keen to get out, explore and paddle the creek!

September 9, 2011: Stewardship Day at Vincent Property: On a beautiful sunny Friday, a team of volunteers including Katie Clapham, Gwyn Govers, and Elyse Sawdon were out in North Peterborough County to conduct a biological inventory along sections of the 100 acre Vincent Property, a managed forest. Leslie Vincent, donor of the property, was at hand to provide a narrative of his personal and nostalgic history and connection to the property. It provided an opportunity for Suresh to conduct a video interview of Leslie Vincent and snap photographs of the site. Bob Brown and Debbie Mack, board members, and Mike Hendren were out in their work clothes, hard hats, and chainsaws putting up signs and clearing vegetation and dead wood from the trails.

September 7, 2011: Natural Heritage System Project Kick-Off: KHC hosted the kick-off event for the "Kawarthas.....Natural Connected" project on September 7 at the Bridgenorth Community Center in Bridgenorth, Ontario. This project involves the design of a Natural Heritage System for the Kawarthas. Attendees included Mary Smith, Reeve of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield Township, Al McPherson, Professor at Trent University, and representatives of various organizations with connection to natural heritage and resources including Fleming College, the Kawartha Trans-Canada Trail, Victoria Stewardship Council, Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel, Ducks Unlimited, Agricultural Advisory Board, Municipal Governments and Planners. The Master of Ceremonies was KHC Executive Director, Mike Hendren.

September 1, 2011: Exploring the Wetlands: What a crew! On September 1, KHC led a team of a dozen volunteers, including Trent University and MNR experts, to explore a large wetland site near Lakefield. The rain held off as we paddled through tall, beautiful cattail and bullrush marshes, and a team surveyed the forests for plants and animals (finding over 300 species!). We certainly appreciated the help of partner agencies and volunteers on this research excursion.

August 30, 2011: Paddle to the Mouth of Otonabee River: August 30 broke bright and beautiful, and KHC staff and 3 volunteers paddled to the mouth of the Otonabee River to explore a Ducks Unlimited property. With help from MNR experts, the team spotted some 200 species of plants, and a good bunch of kingfishers and turtles - the latter seemed to enjoy basking in the sun as much as team did!  It was a great day to be in the field as we expanded our knowledge and partnerships.

August 22, 2011: KHC "Celebrating the Diverse Landscapes of the Kawarthas" Poster: The posters can be puchased at KHC's office or from these fine retailers: Happenstance Books and Yarns Downtown Lakefield; The Buy And Sell Shop, 31 Kent Street West, Lindsay, ON, K9V 2X9; Lockside Trading Company, Young's Point at the Base of Clear Lake; Craftworks at the Barn, Highway 7 West of Peterborough, East of Fowler's Corner. Click here to view an image of the poster. Posters look great framed and make an excellent gift.

August 11, 2011: Youth Nature Excursion: KHC has partnered again with the Association of Stony Lake Cottagers and the Environment Council for Clear, Stony and White Lakes to lead a youth nature excursion by canoe on Stoney Lake. This time, sunshine helped us explore around eastern Syndicate Island and the Big Duck Pond (both protected by agreements with the Conservancy). A dozen youth and some adult leaders spotted ospreys on their nests, learned about identifying turtles and species at risk, and began planning for wildlife monitoring and conservation projects for next year. Another great day exploring nature in the Kawarthas!

August 5, 2011: What's All the Fuss About Carbon and Climate Change?: Article by Suresh for the local carbon offset project in the Peterbrough This Week. Click here to read. The on-line version can be viewed at MyKawartha.com

August 3, 2011: Youth Canoe Excursion: On an early August day when rain poured down on Stoney Lake, Ian led a canoe excursion of a dozen hardy youth from the Association of Stony Lake Cottagers. They were looking for wildlife and interesting plants near Horseshoe Island, and found osprey, loons and poison ivy-fighting Jewelweed, among others. The Association had asked the Conservancy to lead the excursion as a step towards developing a new, active nature program for youth on the Lake. These dedicated, engaged youth are a good sign that the future of nature on the Lake looks bright!

July 29, 2011: Carbon-Offset Social Enterprise Project (COSEP): KHC in partnership with Peterborough Green-Up has launched a new project that will conduct research into Carbon-Offsets as a mechanism for leveraging our lands and energy conservation programs for developing a self-sustaining local social enterprise that will not only reduce greenhouse gases but will also benefit the community by reinvesting offset dollars into our respective programs. Follow the discussions at our new project site and blog: www.localcarbonoffsets.com

July 29, 2011: Emily Creek Cabin Available for Vacation Rental: Quality, 4-bedroom cabin on our 715-acre private, pristine, significant, exclusive property on Emily Creek Wetland is available for weekend or week rental. Click here for the flier.

July 28, 2011: Ecological Land Classification: The Conservancy hosted a technical Ecological Land Classification meeting and field testing at our Emily Creek property on July 28th. Experts from across central Ontario met at the recently donated property. They discussed classification issues and, by canoe, tested their approaches in the Creek's wetlands. Plant and dragonfly afficionados helped add to the Conservancy's growing list of interesting flora and fauna on the site. They were impressed with the facilities, and hope to return soon to pursue further research (and relaxation - the facility is now available for rent).

July 26, 2011: KHC Fundraising Poster for Sale: Our 2010 photo contest and fundraising poster is on sale! It looks fantastic. Thanks to all those who participated in the contest and for submitting their wonderful photos. Congratulations to our volunteers for putting the poster together. The theme of the contest was "Celebrating the Diverse Landscapes of the Kawarthas". Winners and honorable mentions receive a free hardback poster. The poster is also available for purchase. Hardback posters are $25 and regular posters are $15 each. All proceeds from the sales go towards our conservation efforts.

July 16, 2011: Gathering Species at Risk Information. Do you have a cottage diary, history book or naturalist/fishing notes containing past wildlife sightings? Have you spied the majestic Bald Eagle soaring across the noonday sun, a turtle basking, or a Five-Lined Skink darting across your path? KHC needs your help to discover current observations and historic records of common and now rare species. We are looking for reports of these species in the form of photos, documents or memories to further our research on and around our conservation properties. This information will also help with site-based and broader conservation planning as part of two new KHC projects. In addition, we are also looking for volunteers to help with site visits to gather flora and fauna data and then help organize the resulting information. Check us out or record information at: http://www.kawarthaheritage.org/submitheritagesite.asp. Or contact Ian Attridge at: 705-743-5599, iattridge"at"kawarthaheritage.org

July 13, 2011: Otonabee Wetland Canoe Excursion. On July 13, KHC's Ian Attridge and 3 volunteers paddled canoes around the mouth of the Otonabee River, searching for interesting wildlife and plants. We were hosted by Ducks Unlimited's Bill Armour, who shared stories and history of resource use in DU's protected wetland.  We spotted several map turtles, ospreys with fish and nests, ducks, and a variety of forest and wetland plants. A couple of brief thunderstorms didn't deter us on this generally sunny day. With volunteers' expertise, KHC is helping DU with an inventory and stewardship of their significant property.

July 12, 2011: Plant Partnership with Kawartha Naturalists. KHC has partnered with the Kawartha Field Naturalists to do a plant inventory of our properties in the City of Kawartha Lakes. On June 12, 6 volunteers from KFN and KHC combed the swamp forest edge of KHC's Emily Creek property to search for flora. We did soil tests to help classify the type of forest, discovered some rare plants, and fed some mosquitoes!  KFN's Dale Leadbeater and Anne Barbour were very helpful with their enthusiasm and expertise as they work with landowners to develop a list of CKL plants.

June 30, 2011: AGM. KHC held its Annual General Meeting.

June 06, 2011: Running for a Cause. Suresh is going to be running for the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) Green Feat Team in the 2011 Sociabank Group Charity Challenge at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on October 16. He is running the 1/2 marathon. You can support him and OLTA's fundraising efforts by make a pledge by calling or by making a secure online donation using your credit card by click on the link below:http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3036094&Lang=en-CA

June 4, 2011: Heritage Conference 2011: Cobourg, Ontario, was the venue for this year's annual Ontario heritage conference. The conferenc was held at the historic Victorial Hall, a great venue to celebrate culture. KHC was there to participate and learn new ways to engage the public and youth in cultural heritage related issues. Check out their tourism website for what you can do there. http://www.cobourgtourism.ca/

May 2011: Salamander Foundation funds Natural Heritage Strategy: KHC receives funding from Salamander Foundation for developing a Natural Heritage Strategy for the Kawartha Region. The strategy offers a science-based vision and plan for identifying and implementing conservation efforts throughout the Kawarthas. Using a multi-stakeholder approach the Natural Heritage Strategy will address policy gaps while identifying common goals for conservation, land-use, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. KHC will use its strengths in GIS capacity, mapping and data layering to coordinate management plans for the protection and stewardship of wetlands, valleys, Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest, riparian habitat, woodlands, wildlife habitat, and agricultural lands. At the community level, the Natural heritage Strategy will support active stakeholder engagement in local stewardship initiatives. More on the project. For more about Salamander Foundation visit: http://www.salamanderfoundation.org

April 30, 2011: Spring Tree Planting at Ralph and Jean's Property: For over a decade now Ralph McKim and Jean Garsonnin have, with the help of family and friends, been planting an average of 1000 tree seedlings on their moraine property each spring. Red Oak regeneration seems to be taking care of itself. Their tree planting is also in accordance with their Forestry Management Plan and is, along with prairie-building, a major component of their effort towards ecological restoration in their small corner of the world. This year about 800 white pine saplings were planted. It was a wonderful day for planting. A "multi-national" team of volunteers were at hand to help plant the saplings. The light drizzle after the planting added a nice touch to the efforts.

April 30, 2011: Spring Tree Planting and Bird Box Installation at Dance Nature Sanctuary: The Conservancy held a very successful stewardship day at our Dance property on April 30th. In perfect sunny weather, 13 volunteers helped out, ranging from youth to couples to seniors. We planted over a hundred oak, poplar and other trees. We also put up bluebird boxes, moved firewood cut from a downed tree, and picked up litter along the neighbouring roadsides. BEL Rotary, Lakefield Youth Unlimited, and other volunteers helped prepare the bluebird boxes -- the returning bluebirds on site were just waiting for their new homes to arrive! We also enjoyed a hike to some of the significant points of interest around the property. Spring was evident everywhere,  with 3 species of frogs calling, marsh birds setting up territories, and wildflowers like coltsfoot and hepatica starting to bloom. We are grateful to all of the volunteers, and to Kawartha Hardware for supporting the tree planting with new shovels. The Conservancy relies on people donating their time and other resources to help steward our growing assembly of significant sites. Give us a call if you would like to help us out next time! Click here to see the Lakefield Herald press article on the event.

April, 2011: Developing Youth Woodworking Skills: KHC is partnering with Lakefield Youth Unlimited (LYU) in developing youth skills. The partnership is reaching out to community members to assist in mentoring and providing youth with woodworking skills and assembling bluebird birdhouses. Read the full article by Anita Locke in the Lakefield Herald at: http://www.lakefieldherald.com/2011/04_01_2011/bluebird.html

April 27, 2011: Stories of Stones, Ships, and Sheep: Heritage Conservation in Europe, South America, and Beyond. Ian Attridge from KHC will present a fascinating pictoral story of international heritage conservation and his adventures during his travels in South America and Europe. Noon hour free presentation from 12 - 1 pm. Bring your lunch! St. Paul's Church, 120 Murray Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 2S4 (Enter from Water Street).

April 13, 2011: Insuring Heritage Buildings. Danny Sgro from JONES DESLAURIERS Insurance Management Inc. will be presenting and answering question on insurance and insurance matters surrounding heritage buildings in Peterborough. Time 12:00 - 1PM, followed by one-on-one sessions for those who have specific questions from 1 - 2PM. Bring your lunch!! Location: St. Paul's Church, 120 Murray Street, Peterborough, Ontario K9H 2S4 (Enter from Water Street). This presentation has been made possible through support from Ontario Trillum Foundation and Metcalf Foundation. Register by sending an email to suresh.vk "at" kawarthaheritage.org or calling 705-743-5599. See our presentation flyer.

March 25, 2011: Local Charity Protects Beauty and Natural Character of Ston(e)y Lake! View article on the Association of Stony Lake Cottagers and Upper Stoney Lake Association website. http://www.stonylake.on.ca/newsite/index.php/Latest/Charity-Protects-Stony-Lake.html

February 18 and 25, 2011: Heritage Expo. KHC was out there promoting natural heritage conservation during heritage week.  We had displays at the Champlain College, Trent University, on February 18, and at the Lansdowne Mall, Peterborough, on February 25. Ralph Mckim, KHC Board of Director, in the photo below, discusses our work with Kathy Reid of the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority.

February 18-26, 2011: Heritage Week. Visit our display and others at Lansdowne Place Mall on Feb 25 from 9:30 am - 9:00 pm. Check out the schedule of events for activities and presentations at: http://www.peterborough.ca/Living/Arts__Culture___Heritage/Heritage_Week.htm

January 28, 2011: KHC Looking forward to working with Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield. Mike Hendren provided a deputation to the council of the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield about our work in the area and collaboration with regard to natural and cultural heritage conservation. KHC is looking forward to working with the newly formed heritage committee. Press coverage at: http://www.lakefieldherald.com/2011/01_28_2011/heritage.html

Newspaper front cover: http://www.lakefieldherald.com/Classified/01.pdf

January 20, 2011:"...KHC Continues involvement in The Future of the Trent-Severn-Waterway Initiative"  KHC has been involved in a number of Trent-Severn Waterway initiatives including key submissions to the "Panel on the Future of the Trent-Severn Waterway" process in 2007 and 2008. KHC has stepped up to lead and support the Heritage Regional Council, one of the principle recommendations of the Panel's report in conjunction with other partners such as the Trent Center for Community Based Education (TCCBE). KHC is currently working with Trent University and the TCCBE to deliver a recommendation on a model for the heritage region council network and both organizations will be founding member of the steering committee. Click here for Trent University's news on the Trent-Severn Waterway Leaders' Round Table

http://www.trentu.ca/newsDetails.aspx?Channel=%2fChannels%2fAdmissions+Content&WorkflowItemID=B29D8399-15D6-4AAB-92C0-7CF320BD7E78

January 11, 2011 - Oral History of Agricultural Practices: KHC has launched a project to gather multi-generational stories about the history and changes in agricultural practices along the 4th line of Asphodel/Dummer Townships from the early 1900s until the present time. Social, economic, tecnological, and environmental factors have had an important role to play in shaping agricultural practices over the past century. Recording multigenerational stories helps us to better understand the changes, opportunities, and the challenges in agricultural practices and in the industry that is very important to this region. Over the next couple of months, representatives of KHC will be seeking participation of farmers and their families in this exciting project. Please contact Suresh if you need further information or to participate. Click here for the newspaper article